As I mentioned in a previous post, I am in seek for a new receiver to replace my current Arcam AVR280. My 40's birthday is comming soon and I wanted to take the opportunity to make myself a present. The budget is 800 pound and I was originally looking at some of the modern receivers such as Martantz SR-7005 which ended up begin more expensive (around 1000). Then, I found a second hand offer of a Yamaha DSP-Z9 for 800 pound and I although it is a very old receiver, I am being tempted as it seem it was one of the best receivers at the time and the RRP was around 4000 pound.

Any thoughts about this DSP-Z9? Would it be better option than one of the 800 pound modern receiver?

Well, 3D may be an option in future but, I do not necessarily need ro rely on the receiver for that. Right now I have my PS3 connected directly to my TV/projector with optical out to the receiver. I also have doubt that 800 is reasonable even when this receiver used to be around 4000 pound. I do not know to be honest it would all depend on the sound but I can not test before I purchase.

Yes. it can be a dilemma deciding between new kit and old kit which may have been very good in its day. I don't know enough about the Yamaha DSP-Z9 to say whether £800 is good value or not. Maybe one of the dealers who regularly write on these forums, either Rick at Musicraft or David at Frank Harvey, will be able to help. I do know however that you can, today, buy a gleaming new Yamaha RX-A2010 (from the Aventage series that is just being discontinued), which does do 3D, for £899. I bought one myself last week.

With a normal Bluray player with onboard decoding, you could've converted the HD codec to PCM, and sent this to the multi-channel input of the Z9, giving you True HD and DTS-MA. It's been a long time since I used a PS3, but I don't think it would be possible to do this with it, so with an optical connection you'd be getting a 'down mixed' HD audio, so probably DD+ and DTS-HR at best. This will still sound good, but you wouldn't be getting the full benefit of the capabilities of the audio from a good Bluray.

I would probably recommend going for a used DSPZ7 over a used DSPZ9, which will be HDMI equipped, and with a Bluray player with dual HDMI outputs, 3D can be still be enjoyed. I've not looked at used prices for a while, but you should be able to pick up a DSPZ7 for £800-1,000. I owned a Z9 myself, and they were £3,300.